HIGH SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE: Bellezza leaving his own mark at WW-P North

PLAINSBORO — Danny Bellezza inherited a lot of things from his older brothers, but that list of hand-me-downs apparently didn’t include their long sticks.

Both Lenny and Nick were standout defensemen for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Northern Knights. Danny, however, has put his own offensive spin on the family’s love of lacrosse. A sophomore attacker, he’s currently leading the Knights with 17 goals in nine contests.

“My parents wouldn’t let me play defense,” Bellezza said Tuesday afternoon with a laugh, explaining how he became an attacker. “They said they wanted a scorer.”

Bellezza isn’t the most intimidating physical presence in terms of strength, but uses his good height and range to his advantage. He also has good hands around the net, which make him an inviting target for passes from the Knights’ midfield around the net.

“He’s a little skinny, but he’s still got that presence,” coach Kevin Main said.

Of course, having two older brothers — defensemen or not — comes with certain advantages for developing lacrosse players.

“Especially being the youngest, I’m sure you’re picking up the sticks of you’re big brothers and getting kicked around a little bit, so you have to be tough,” Main continued.

Bellezza, along with fellow sophomore Mike Bush — who has tallied 13 goals this season — represent something of a youth movement at North. Both were able to get their feet wet during last year’s 6-14 campaign.

“He came up last year as a freshman with Mike Bush and got a lot of playing time,” coach Kevin Main said. “They’re both big presences. Danny still has a lot to learn about the game, but he has a nice shot and gets himself in good position. He may not have the hardest shot, but he’s accurate and he knows where to go.”

The early returns this year are certainly promising. Both players have been finding the back of the net, and the 5-4 Knights need just one more win to match their total from last year.

“Last year it was more just about learning the game,” Bellezza said. “From freshman to varsity, it’s a big jump and the game is a lot faster. This year it’s been slowing down, and Mike and I feel like we need to step it up and put some goals in the net.”

Like all young players, Bellezza is still learning how to best utilize his abilities. A prime example came in Tuesday’s narrow 7-5 victory over a 1-8 Robbinsville team that tried to take him out of the game. After being held scoreless in the first quarter, Bellezza was able to see what the defense was giving him, find some creases and score twice in the comeback win.

“With all these younger guys, it’s about seeing the big picture,” Main said. “It’s about understanding the game and how it moves, thinking three steps ahead — if he’s coming here, I’m going to go there, and that type of thing.”

If Main’s young players continue to improve the way they have from freshman to sophomore year, expect the Knights to become an even bigger factor in the CVC down the line.